Friday, August 17, 2012

The New Networking: Do Unto Others (Even if They Don't Do Unto You Later)

As a freelance writer, I am always interested in writing for new publications, both print and online. Recently, I pitched an editor of a well known national magazine about some story ideas. I don't feel like name dropping so I won't. But I wasn't talking up my own writing prowess - I was promoting someone else.

I was pulling hard for some smarter, younger talent to get the gig. Why? I'm not completely insane, but I am completely realistic.

Over the years, I've attended dozens of networking events, received millions of business cards, and even became friends with some awesome individuals. Some of these connections have led to gigs - some haven't. It's the writer's creed. But one thing I began to notice is that everyone at these events was self-promoting (myself included). The conversations quickly became repetitive droning of what "I'm doing...". But of course that's what normal networking is all about.

Normal networking usually means trying to advance yourself. The New Networking means advancing/promoting someone else, even at the risk of getting, well, screwed. Of course there is the slightly self-interested hope that you'll be remembered and rewarded for your good deed, but there's the more likely chance that you won't. But helping someone else get their foot in the door someplace still gives you a better chance than not.  After all, if you don't get the gig, shouldn't someone you know get it instead?

In the world of arts & entertainment, it's always about who you know (or knew). So I am putting my theory to the test. In my pitch, I did manage to grab the editor's attention with my own resume, but his interest level spiked significantly when I segued into a quick spiel about my talented friend who might also be a good fit. I've also considered that there may be sundry reasons for this; maybe the editor just didn't like me or maybe the editor, like me, had become tone deaf to everything "I'm doing."

So what if my friend gets the gig and I don't? They could dump me. That's a true risk that seems to happen disproportionately in the entertainment industry. You help someone get a step up only to get stepped on, ignored, or forgotten.

Personally, I am more impressed when someone links me to a friend's indie film or tells me about a possible connection, so I can only believe that when I do the same a similar effect happens.

If my friend gets the gig, that will prove that  The New Networking works. If they get the gig and help me out along the way, that proves the New Networking is a success. And if they get the gig and dump me, then that will show that the New Networking is just like the old networking --- minus one.